Oxford Health is the lead provider for large-scale vaccination centres for Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Berkshire West and staff are gearing up to welcome even more people through the doors at their sites at the Kassam Stadium in Oxford, Broad Street Mall in Reading and the Guttmann Centre in Aylesbury.

People aged 40 and over eligible for a booster

The NHS has opened the National Booking Service and make booster vaccines available to newly eligible over-40s from today.

People in this age group will also be able to make a booking by calling 119, or to use the NHS online vaccine walk-in finder to find one of hundreds of convenient sites across the country that require no appointment. The finder shows opening hours at each location and age groups.

The booster vaccine dose is available no earlier than six months after a person’s second COVID-19 vaccine dose.  Due to vaccine supply on the day, it is possible that you may be offered a booster vaccine type that is different to your first and second doses.  This is no cause for concern and evidence shows that having a different vaccine may increase the level of immunity provided.

Since Monday 8 November, it has been possible for eligible people aged over 50 (or with certain medical conditions) to pre-book a booster vaccine five months after their second dose. People will still get this jab six months after their second dose, but this change is speeding up the rate of vaccination as people can book a convenient appointment for the day they become eligible, rather than waiting. This ability to book an appointment date in advance will also apply to those aged 40 and above once the National Booking System goes live for them.

Second doses for 16 and 17 year olds

The NHS has also opened the National Booking Service to make second doses available to newly eligible 16-17s.

People in this age group will also be able to make a booking by calling 119, or to use the NHS online vaccine walk-in finder to find one of hundreds of convenient sites across the country that require no appointment. The finder shows opening hours at each location and age groups. Anyone aged under 18 would not be offered Moderna vaccine as a second dose.

Parental consent is not required to be vaccinated for this age group. People also do not have to be registered with a GP or have an NHS number to be vaccinated, although it will make the process easier so they should bring this if they can.

Anita Sherwood, Oxford Health’s Interim Director of COVID Operations, said: “It’s really important to get your vaccinations and boosters I would urge anyone who is becoming eligible to plan to get theirs as soon as they can.

“Getting vaccinated and keeping up to date with your booster is the best way to protect yourself, your family and those around you from COVID-19. And the good news is that it is really easy to book your appointment or find a walk-in opportunity.”